NEW air purification technology has been developed which could protect against airborne viruses such as bird flu and the hospital "superbug" MRSA, British scientists claim.

The technology could be incorporated into air conditioning equipment or used as stand-alone machines in offices to prevent the spread of winter colds and similar viruses, the Telegraph reports.

The Tri-Air system is a joint-venture company formed between Inventa Partners Ltd, the Building Research Establishment and the technology inventor.

It uses three different decontamination technologies to simulate the production of fresh air, destroying infectious viruses and bugs.

Laboratory testing at Porton Down found the machine had a near-100% kill rate on test viruses in less than five minutes.

BRE is currently seeking a manufacturing partner to produce the technology and has employed the assistance of finance firm Price Waterhouse Coopers, who have contacted leading air conditioning manufacturers Samsung, Sanyo, LG and Daikin, among others.